Day: September 13, 2008

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Tequila the official party liquor, the daddy of the fiesta, the king of the shot, and the emperor of margarita madness is actually an amazing marketing story. What makes an often, horrible smelling, difficult to describe taste that can make the eyes water and throat wretch with a gag reflex similar to food posioning the #1 fastest growing category of liquor in America according to the 2005 Adams Handbook Advance the industry standard.

Granted the premium tequila brands like Patron produce incredibly rich and smooth tasting liquors, but the majority of the tequila sales, 40% plus, are Jose Cuervo tequila of the ilk described above–rotten eggs on sandpaper.

Marketing Strategy

1. Association: Tequila is the party liquor associated with fiestas, parties, food, and music. No other drink symbolizes fun, good times, beaches, and the tropics like a tequila margarita

2. Heritage: Tequila has a long history and heritage of proud producers from a passionate country, Mexico, that crafts the best tequila products in the world

3. Perception: Tequila, like the country of Mexico, symbolizes macho, hot, spicy, and power. It is perceived, and rightfully so, as the drink that is dangerous. For many people it is a brand that signifies their toughness much like a football fan who supports the Oakland Raiders. If you can hang at a Raider game, think of San Quentin at a picnic, then you are tough enough to drink tequila

4. Reputation: Everyone, at least those that drink, have a tequila story. The stories are never pretty, they are usually warning shots to friends, and yet they are told with pride. There is a legend a lore attached to this brand that people want to associate despite the taste and horrific results the drink can produce